Tricky conditions at Rali Serras de Fafe, Portuguese season opener at the weekend. Heavy rain on the Friday night stages and rough terrain caused many mechanical problems and retirements. Moura (Fiesta) lead on the earlier stages but retired with broken transmission, Campos (Fabia) inherited 1st place until a steering pump leak dropped him down to 3rd, Fontes (DS3) managed to avoid troubles and got his first gravel win, despite a final charge from Meireles (Fabia). Very few 2wd crews but a close fight between 208’s young drivers Gago and Lopez (backed by Peugeot Spain). Barbosa (Evo 10) survived to be first in Gr.N and Merceano (Evo easily won national gravel cup field.